Armenians Continue Protest Against Eurasian Economic Union

YEREVAN -- Dozens of opposition activists and their supporters have rallied in front of the Armenian parliament for a second day, urging lawmakers to reject a treaty on joining the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

The activists blocked the entrance to parliament on December 2, chanting "Traitors! Shame!"

Armenia's parliament began debating the treaty's ratification on December 1.

Protesters tried to speak to lawmakers as they walked to parliament, often resulting in arguments and swearing.

Zarui Postanjian, a member of the opposition Heritage party's parliamentary group, told RFE/RL that the treaty’s ratification would affect "our sovereignty and will be state treason."

Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian signed the agreement to join the group in October at a ceremony in Minsk.

Armenia is set to join Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan in the economic grouping when it comes into force on January 1.

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